How to get a Real ID in California with my married name, when I am divorced?
I'm asking this on behalf of my other half.
She got married in the 90s, and so changed her last name as so many women do. When she divorced in the early 00s, she did not go back to her maiden name as she was now accustomed to the "new" name, had her driver's license, bills, etc. all in that name and so forth.
Now with the introduction of Real ID, she apparently needs to get one of those if she's going to fly in the future. But when she tried to do so, she was denied since her birth certificate and social security card are in her maiden name, and her current license is in her married name, and she has no way to prove that she changed her name.
Of course she no longer has her marriage certificate (who keeps that after a nasty divorce?), and the language on the DMV's website about using divorce documents to prove the connection is unclear. Her passport also expired some years back and cannot be renewed because it also requires a copy of your marriage certificate if you changed your name.
The DMV website states that you must show:
Dissolution of marriage/domestic partnership document that contains the legal name as a result of the court action
But all that would show is the married name, not the maiden name, so we're unclear on how it would show any connection between the two names.
What are the options available for obtaining a real ID in this situation?
Best Answer
Getting a copy of the original marriage certificate and the judgment of divorce would result in a Real ID in the past married name. The applicant might, however, prefer to return to her maiden (pre-marriage) name.
While this more formal process requires a petition to the court and newspaper publication of the proposed order, it isn't complex and can be done without an attorney.
This California Courts page sets forth the required steps:
- Fill out your court forms
- Have your forms reviewed
- Make at least 2 copies of all your forms
- File your forms with the court clerk
- Publish the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (if required)
- If incarcerated or on parole, serve the documents
- Go to your court hearing, if necessary
- Get your Decree Changing Name from the court
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What documents do you need to get a real CA ID?
Applying for a REAL ID- Proof of identity (U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, permanent resident card, foreign passport with an approved form I-94. ...
- Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, paystub with full SSN).
Is my true full name my maiden name?
The true full name is the complete, exact name used on legal documents, (such as a driver license/identification card [DL/ID]), and includes a person's first name or initial, middle name or initial, and last name.Can I fly domestically without a REAL ID?
Flying with a REAL ID Beginning May 3, 2023, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.How much is a California REAL ID cost?
How much does it cost? The California Department of Motor Vehicles charges $38 for a Real ID or a regular license.REAL ID (Step-by-Step)
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Answer 2
I was just filling out the app on CA DMV site and after putting down my two past marriages, they came back with the documents that I needed for the REAL ID. Only the marriage certificates, no divorce decree was mentioned. Pam
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